"If that's to be law, how is Democrats to obtain office?"

"Civil Service Reform." Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper. September 1, 1883. 32.

(Cropped from Google Books)

I don't know if Albany's DWI-driving cops or Shenendehowa's DUI-driving school bus drivers are Rats or Cons... not that there's much difference. A drunk driver is a drunk driver.

Does civil service reform ever get raised as an issue anymore?

"Peter A. Drum, Michael C. McCue, Edward Clark, Peter Donnelly, John A. Franklin and Joseph F. Marley were received for service upon the force. The mayor [Anthony Bleecker Banks (1835-1910)] addressed the new applicants, saying: 'If ever either of you are brought before this board for getting drunk you will know it means instant dismissal. Nothing will save you. Remember and don't drink.'"

"New Policemen Cautioned." Albany Evening Journal. February 25, 1885: 4 col 4.